What can you Pair with BBQ Meatballs?

What can you pair with BBQ meatballs to make a great, balanced family dinner? Meatballs are versatile little guys and can make for a perfectly healthy meal. There are many options for side dishes and meal ideas. Just pick and choose what your family likes!

Oh goodness me (she said, in her most-over-the-top voice). Meatballs are a huge favorite in my house. I still remember how my then-toddler snuck into my photography studio while I was in the kitchen cleaning up after making these crockpot cranberry turkey meatballs.

Well, the meatballs were still in the studio. Until she came running out of there, meatball in each hand, happily munching away. Oh, sweet child of mine.

But while both my kiddo and I really enjoy making and eating meatballs, I used to struggle with turning them into a balanced meal. And by struggle I mean I slapped the meatballs in a roll from a can and called it dinner.

Not that I didn’t know what side dishes were, but what can I say… I’m a pretty lazy cook, and if I don’t have someone to tell me what to do? I start slacking. Meatballs-and-canned-rolls-for-dinner kind of slacking.

Then I had a genius idea. I have a phone. Apparently it’s smart. It can definitely hold lists for me. How about… Lists with MEAL IDEAS? Somehow, having things written down in black on white make them a) easier to achieve and b) help me commit to making a healthy dinner (that isn’t throwing a bag of baby carrots on the table and calling it a day… Ahem, though that is certainly still happening at times…)

My Slow Cooker Sticky BBQ Meatballs are one of the most popular recipes here on Savory Nothings. No wonder, they’re so easy and incredibly delicious! I have many more BBQ meatball recipes planned for the very near future of this little blog, so stay tuned!And for now, let me share my BBQ meatball meal ideas with you, so we can all happily bathe in the glory of domestic blissdom.

Oh, and if you need help with easily making those meatballs from scratch? Take a peak at the archives here on Savory Nothings:

So here’s the deal: I’m going to write down a list of things we like to eat with them, and I’m going to add links to the recipes where I have them. Then I’m going to give you suggestions for pairing them to make full meals.

Sounds good? Great. Let’s get this show on da rrrrroad then (bonus points if you read this in your best opera-singer voice, and yes, that’s a thing).

Non-Starchy sides

Meal ideas with BBQ meatballs for dinner:

Meal 1: Classic

Sometimes, nothing but a classic meal will do. Pair BBQ meatballs with homemade mashed potatoes and plenty of steamed or sautéed green beans. Make sure there’s enough sauce around the meatballs. If necessary, add some broth to the recipe to thin it out so it works well with the mash.

Meal 2: Diner Style

This is hands down one of my favorite dinners. Pair BBQ meatballs with sweet potato fries, coleslaw and slices of avocado. Bliss on a plate. This is especially delicious with recipes like my Pineapple BBQ Meatballs!

Meal 3: Summer Dinner

For when it’s too hot to really cook! Make a large leafy salad and serve the meatballs in some crusty bread with pickles.

Meal 4: German-Inspired

With a Bavarian grandma, obviously I always need to have German-inspired meal ideas on hand. Right? Pair BBQ meatballs with potato salad and sauerkraut. The creaminess and tanginess of both go unexpectedly well with the meatballs!

Meal 5: Simple Dinner Bowl

For a simple yet delicious dinner bowl, serve the BBQ meatballs with rice and heaps of steamed or stir-fried greens. As with the mashed potatoes, make sure there’s enough sauce on the meatballs. Otherwise the rice is very dry to eat.

Meal 6: Campfire Vibes

If you need some campfire vibes in your life (uhm, we all do), serve your BBQ meatballs with baked potatoes, baked beans and coleslaw.

Meal 7: Comfort Food Dinner

Mac and cheese, broccoli, a big salad and BBQ meatballs. Sometimes that’s all you need to be happy.

Meal 8: Asian Inspired

Serve Asian inspired BBQ meatballs (like Korean BBQ Meatballs) over noodles and heaps of stir-fry vegetables. You can sub in zucchini noodles if you like.

Meal 9: Low Carb

I’m not generally a low carb person (hellooooo bread), but… I guess I can take a break every once in a while. BBQ meatballs in lettuce cups and stuffed with coleslaw are amazing!

What are you going to serve with your BBQ meatballs for dinner tonight?

Which meal sounds best to you? Do you have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below!

END THE MEALTIME STRUGGLE TODAY!

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